Abstract: A photosensitive pixel includes a photosensor and an externally loadable flag. The photosensor outputs a signal indicative of an intensity of incident light. The externally loadable flag indicates the pixel reset state, and is preferably stored in an in-pixel memory. Pixel reset logic resets the photosensor in accordance with the reset state and an externally applied reset signal.

Abstract: A two-stage treatment process, for the treatment of nitrate rich water, particularly aquaculture pond water, wherein in the first stage a degassing chamber is used for removing dissolved oxygen from a stream of water flowing out of the aquaculture system, and in the second stage the stream of water obtained from said degassing chamber is flown into a denitrifying biofilter comprising a biofilter media which functions as a biological growth media and as a carbon source, wherein said denitrifying biofilter is capable of biologically reducing both nitrate and nitrite compounds into nitrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioconjugates comprising a sulfated polysaccharide such as alginate sulfate and hyaluronan sulfate and at least one bioactive polypeptide capable of binding a sulfate group of said sulfated polysaccharide. The bioactive polypeptide can be a heparin-binding polypeptide and/or a positively-charged polypeptide. Also, provided are delivery systems and methods for sustained release of said bioactive polypeptide(s) using said bioconjugates.

Abstract: An integrated ion chip for a large scale quantum device of interconnected ion (or other charged particles) traps each holding a small number of particles for a finite period of time, in a preferred embodiment using sapphire as the substrate, having an internal trapping, translation, and quantum manipulation zones and having a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes for trapping ions and for quantum manipulations, in a preferred embodiment using silicon carbide (and materials of similar characteristics) as a core structure material, and utilizing unique fabrication processes using micromachining and thin film techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid and economical process for manufacturing a transparent, spinel based ceramic. A transparent body of sintered magnesium aluminate spinel having excellent optical and mechanical properties is provided in a single-stage thermal process.

Abstract: An antenna array and signal preprocessing apparatus and method. The antenna array is a quadrature polarized array having two orthogonal electric dipoles and two orthogonal magnetic dipoles. The preprocessor is for preprocessing signals from the antenna, for obtaining spatial spectrum information for signal source location. The preprocessor comprises an autocorrelator, connected after said input, for forming signal autocorrelation matrices for each element, and an smoother, connected after said autocorrelator, for averaging said autocorrelation matrices, thereby to form a sample covariance matrix suitable for use in a Eigenstructure based estimator for estimating source localization.

Abstract: A new method and system for Optical Code Division Multiple Access (OCDMA) transmission, in which channel selection and rejection are based on dynamic self-heterodyne filtering using differential time delays applied to the data-modulated signals to code and decode the transmissions in each channel. Mach-Zender Interferometers having characteristic delays between their arms are a simple way of performing this coding and decoding. The technique enables the use of narrow linewidth sources and low spectrum spreading. Consequently this technique can be used in next-generation all-optical dynamic networks allowing bandwidth sharing on the one hand, while at the same time eliminating the need for network management and optical switching. Preliminary theoretical calculations predict the system support of up to 15 channels at a data rate of 1 GHz.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel net member for supporting one or more cell constructs in the culture chamber of a bioreactor, which comprises an array of impermeable pyramidal elements protruding from the face thereof, wherein each of the corners of the base of each of said impermeable pyramidal elements comprises a circular opening. This net member provides for uniform and unobstructed flow of culture medium through 3D cell constructs in culture. Also disclosed are a bioreactor and bioreactor system incorporating said net member. The bioreactor and bioreactor system may be used in the bioproduction of therapeutic proteins and stem cell expansion.

Abstract: A capsule for high dose rate brachytherapy, wherein the capsule comprises within its interior space thulium-170, and further comprises at least one layer of a radiation emission modifying metal (e.g., gold), wherein said layer is provided either internally within the capsule or on the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A method of generating embryoid bodies is provided. The method comprising culturing undifferentiated embryonic stem cells on a three dimensional scaffold under conditions suitable for formation of embryoid bodies, thereby generating the embryoid bodies.

Abstract: Apparatus for detection of human falls, comprises: an acceleration detector, for detecting vibration events, typically placed on a floor, a microphone, located in association with the acceleration detector for detection of corresponding sound events, and a classification unit to classify concurrent events from the microphone and the acceleration detector, thereby to determine whether a human fall is indicated. If the event appears to be a human fall, then an alarm is raised.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a carbon nanotubes reinforced polymer. The process comprises the following steps: a) contacting carbon nanotubes in an aqueous medium with a water-soluble component, comprising either a water-soluble first polymer or a water-soluble surfactant; b) mixing the resulting product from step A) with either an aqueous latex of a second polymer, or with (a) water-soluble precursor(s) of a second polymer; c) removing water from the so obtained mixture; d) heating the product from step C) to a temperature at which the second polymer flows or where the second polymer is formed from out of its precursor(s); and e) processing and/or solidifying the product of step D) into a desired form. As a result the carbon nanotubes retain essentially their original aspect ratio. As a result, mechanical and conductivity properties are improved.

Abstract: A method of preventing and/or treating S. pneumoniae infection in mammalian subjects, wherein said method comprises administering to said subjects a composition comprising one or more agents that are capable of inhibiting the binding of the S. pneumoniae cell wall protein FBA to the respiratory tract cells of said subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for loading of agents and substances into per-formed liposomes, preferably a suspension of pre-formed liposomes as well as to methods for the controlled quantum (step-wise) release of agents and substances from liposomes. One of the principle features of the methods of the invention is to expose the liposomes to ultrasound irradiation having predefined parameters, resulting in an increase in permeability of the liposomes, thereby permitting, respectively, the loading and/or release of agents and substances into and/or from the liposomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides bioconjugates comprising a sulfated polysaccharide such as alginate sulfate and hyaluronan sulfate and at least one bioactive polypeptide capable of binding a sulfate group of said sulfated polysaccharide. The bioactive polypeptide can be a heparin-binding polypeptide and/or a positively-charged polypeptide. Also, provided are delivery systems and methods for sustained release of said bioactive polypeptide(s) using said bioconjugates.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to a method for preventing infection of a mammalian subject with S. pneumoniae, wherein said method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of one or more S. pneumoniae cell wall and/or cell membrane proteins and/or immunogenically-active fragments, derivatives or modifications thereof, wherein said proteins are selected from a defined group of immunogenic proteins. The present invention further provides vaccine compositions containing said cell wall and/or cell membrane proteins.

Abstract: A method is provided for exfoliation of carbon nanotubes and for the preparation of a stable aqueous suspension thereof containing dispersed, essentially single tubes, using a water-soluble polymeric material. A powder of carbon nanotubes is further provided, that can be re-dispersed to form a stable suspension. The nanotubes can be used in electronics, printing, coatings, thin layers, molecular machines, and for the production of composite materials.

Abstract: A method and a device for the acoustic detection of a one lung intubation situation in a human subject are disclosed. According to some embodiments, the disclosed method includes computing an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) or an autoregressive function of electrical signals received from acoustic detectors placed at different locations on the body of the subject. Appropriate locations for acoustic detectors include the back region and the chest region. The disclosed method and apparatus are insensitive to uncancelled, random background noise with a loudness associated with an operating room or intensive care ward. The disclosed device is configurable so that the relative occurrence rate of missed detections or false negatives and false positive alarms can be modified. In one exemplary embodiment, the device is adapted such that at most 9% of identifications are false positive identifications, and at most 2% of identifications are false negative identifications.

Abstract: A joint-lubricating composition for treating degenerative joint disorders is provided, comprising algal polysaccharides in an aqueous solution, wherein the polysaccharides are stable and non-immunogenic. Further provided is a method for treating a joint disorder by injecting into the joint a viscous aqueous solution of a polysaccharide, wherein disorder is, for example, arthritis, and the polysaccharide originates, for example, from a red alga.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of nano- and mesosized particles consisting of a lipid layer comprising at least one amphiphile and a core of an inorganic compound and/or a metal, comprising: (i) dissolving in a common solvent at least one self-aggregating amphiphile with at least one inorganic, organometallic or metallorganic precursor of said inorganic compound or metal; and (ii) either injecting the resulting solution into an aqueous solution or drying the resulting solution and re-hydrating it, so as to form particles in which the precursor is encapsulated by the amphiphile(s) and is converted therein to said inorganic compound and/or metallic solid form.